TRAVEL | AirAsia operate three flights a week between Tashkent And Kuala Lumpur. The Airbus Airbus A330-300 (“A333”) is currently used on the route, and travellers can choose between Economy, Premium Flex, and Premium Flatbed class. I flew Premium Flatbed Class, which is what Air Asia call their Business Class.. The average flight time on this route is 7 hours and 25 minutes.
Check In
You can check in online, or using AirAsia’s app. You can enter in all relevant information before your flight, and receive an electronic boarding pass that you can print, access from the AirAsia app, or add to your Apple Wallet. There’s also the option of checking in at the airport using a kiosk or at a staffed counter.
If you have luggage to check in, you can print your bag tag(s) from the kiosks at the airport using the QR code generated during Mobile check-in. You can also head over to a staffed counter.
Premium Flatbed ticket holders have access to dedicated check-in counters, priority boarding, and unlimited flight changes (allowed up to 2 hours before your original departure and 4 hours before your new departure time, subject to fare differences).
Loyalty
AirAsia’s loyalty program is AirAsia rewards, which is free to join.
There is no AirAsia lounge at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, and no arrangement for lounge access with any of the lounges at the airport. If you have Priority Pass or an American Express Platinum card, you can access the Anjir Business Lounge.
Luggage
All AirAsia Premium Flatbed tickets allow you take on piece of cabin luggage on board, plus a small bag, with a total weight of no more than 7kg (15lb). You can purchase an additional 7kg cabin allowance when you purchase your ticket.
Premium Flatbed tickets include a checked luggage allowance of 40kg (88lb). You can purchase an additional 20kg (44lb) on the AirAsia app/website once your booking is confirmed.
Service
I couldn’t fault the service on the flight from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur. Service is limited, however staff are attentive, polite and professional, and always available when you need them.
Cabin
The AirAsia Premium Flatbed cabin on the A333 that flies from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne features 30 seats, in a 2-2-2 layout. It’s a clean, well-maintained cabin, that has a more subdued maroon/brown and cream colour scheme compared to the brighter branding in Economy.
Seat
The pleather seat has dimensions of about 150cm x 48cm (59in x 19in). It’s a good sized seat, and very comfortable. The big selling point of this seat, especially given that AirAsia is a budget airline, is that it features several recline levels, including a flatbed option. The seat features an adjustable headrest and footrest, as well as a plush pillow and duvet.
There’s a divider that gives your partial privacy from the person sitting next to you, but the front half of the seat and the drink holders aren’t divided. There’s two additional drink holders (three in total), as well as two small out storage compartments. There’s a hook if you need to hang a jacket.
The seat features several power outlets and USB charging ports, and a reading light.
Entertainment
There’s no in-flight entertainment on this route (there’s a seatback screen, but it doesn’t do anything). Make sure your devices are fully charged before you board.
Food
AirAsia Premium Flatbed tickets come with one hot meal. A member of the cabin crew will take your order, and ask you if you’d like your meal shortly after departure, or closer to the arrival at your destination. Bottled water awaits when you arrive at your seat.
Options for the hot meals include things like Nasi Lemak, Chicken Biriyani, Chicken Rice, and Mac & Cheese. I’ve always been impressed by the quality of food that AirAsia offers, which is a cut above most budget airlines. The chicken rice (my wife’s order), and roast chicken and veg option (my order), were both tasty.
If want to purchase more food and drink, there’s a decent selection of snacks, drinks, and hot meals to purchase. It’s quite well priced compared to what you usually pay on low-cost airlines.
Amenities
There are no amenities in this cabin, beyond the pillow and duvet. Be sure to bring you own earplugs and eye mask if you plan on getting some sleep.
Verdict
I’ve only ever flown AirAsia during the day before, so have been content to fly in their Economy cabin. This time around, I had an overnight flight, and a wedding to attend on the day that I landed, so I wanted to get a good night’s sleep and arrive refreshed in Kuala Lumpur. When I saw the cost of the upgrade (around AUD$600), it was a no brainer to me. The total cost of my flight ended up being cheaper than a full service Economy ticket would have been, and I was able to get a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed.
If I’m ever doing an overnight flight in the future, and I see that AirAsia flies the route, I’m likely going to choose them. The only thing that I really want from a Business Class flight is a flatbed that’ll allow me to have a decent sleep. I’m not bothered by any of the extras. AirAsia’s Premium Flatbed cabin gives me exactly what I want, and nothing that I don’t, for a very competitive price.